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Dietary supplement

Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamin World

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg is a dietary supplement by Vitamin World with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for circulation and vein health, antioxidant support, skin health and aging.Based on those ingredients, 327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Pycnogenol. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg by Vitamin World

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: pycnogenol, a standardized extract from maritime pine bark, at 100 mg per capsule. The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose and gelatin, with minor inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Maritime Pine's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Maritime Pine for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Asthma — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Osteoarthritis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Pycnogenol has been studied for several uses. It's rated possibly effective for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (swelling and discomfort in the legs from poor blood flow).

For asthma, the evidence is also possibly effective. However, for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), the evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective—so don't count on it for that.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Pycnogenol is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been fully studied. The most common side effects from oral use are gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, and vertigo; headache and severe vertigo have been reported in trials.

Rarely, chest pain and worsening heart failure have been reported, though it's unclear whether pycnogenol caused them. Because there isn't enough safety data, the supplement should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding—talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use if either applies to you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Maritime Pine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 327 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before taking this product if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or warfarin, diabetes medications, or immunosuppressants. Pycnogenol may raise bleeding risk, lower blood sugar dangerously, or reduce how well immune-suppressing drugs work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Pycnogenol may help with osteoarthritis or leg swelling, but it's not your answer for high cholesterol. If you take blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or immunosuppressants, check with your pharmacist before starting—the interactions are real and need monitoring.

Pregnant or nursing? Skip it and ask your provider about safer options.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamin World
Barcode (UPC) 776643191411
Net contents 30 Rapid Release Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2013
DSLD ID 21286
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg by Vitamin World, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
776643191411
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol100 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Gelatin, Contains <2% of

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

This product has been developed, manufactured and packaged by Vitamin World. Our world-class facilities allow us to control exactly what goes into each product. It is your assurance that you are getting the highest quality and freshest products. You have our guarantee!

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Get healthy.

Patented Nutrient Clinically Studied for Heart Health*

It possesses antioxidant properties that help support the proper functioning of the skin, immune system, cardiovascular system and eyes.*

Seals/Symbols

QA QUALITY ASSURED

Formulation

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.

Precautions

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C)2012 Vitamin World, Inc.

CARDIOSMART(R) PROTECTIVE ANTIOXIDANT

Pycnogenol(R) is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Management S.A.; Horphag Research (Luxembourg) Holding S.A. is the owner of U.S. pat. #5,720,956; Horphag Research IP (PYC) LTD is the owner of U.S. pat. 6,372,266.

Cardiosmart(R) is a reg. trademark of NatureSmart LLC.

Pycnogenol(R) is a natural plant extract derived from the French maritime pine tree that helps fight free radicals that can contribute to oxidative stress and subsequent premature aging of cells.*

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: For adults, take one (1) capsule one or two times daily, preferably with a meal.

General

PROD. #19141 B19141 03B

See for yourself

Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg by Vitamin World label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg by Vitamin World

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Pycnogenol

Interacts with
327 drugs
100 mg per serving

Maritime pine bark extract (often sold as Pycnogenol) is a plant-based antioxidant most studied for circulation, vein, and skin health. Some research...

Pycnogenol monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Gelatin, Contains <2% of. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg by Vitamin World Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
327Drugs
327 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Pycnogenol3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Clinical research suggests that maritime pine bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation. However, the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
One clinical study shows that maritime pine bark extract decreases blood sugar in patients with diabetes being treated with antidiabetes agents. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro and animal research suggests that maritime pine bark extract has immunostimulant activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg, from the product label.

Vitamin World

See all Vitamin World products
Phone Number
1-800-228-4533
Web Address
www.vitaminworld.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg by Vitamin World: Common Questions

Does Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg by Vitamin World interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg has a known interaction with 327 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way. The facts advise against it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice—they know your full health picture.
What side effects might I notice?
Most common are stomach complaints, dizziness, and vertigo. Headache and severe dizziness have been reported in studies. Rarely, chest pain or worsening heart failure has occurred, though it's not clear pycnogenol caused them. Stop and call your doctor if you feel chest pain or severe dizziness.
Does pycnogenol actually work?
For osteoarthritis and leg swelling from poor circulation (chronic venous insufficiency), the evidence says possibly effective—so it may help some people. For asthma, the evidence is also possibly effective. But for high cholesterol, studies suggest it probably won't help.
Is this well tolerated overall?
Yes, pycnogenol is generally well tolerated in the studies we have. The catch is that long-term safety hasn't been fully worked out yet, so we don't know what happens if you take it for years.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Maximum Strength Pycnogenol 100 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 14 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Maritime Pine 14 references
  1. Rice-Evans CA, Packer L, eds. Flavonoids in Health and Disease. Manhattan, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1998.
  2. Liu FJ, Zhang YX, Lau BH. Pycnogenol enhances immune and haemopoietic functions in senescence-accelerated mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 1998;54:1168-72. PubMed
  3. Putter M, Grotemeyer KH, Wurthwein G, et al. Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet aggregation by aspirin and pycnogenol. Thromb Res 1999;95:155-61. PubMed
  4. Kohama T, Inoue M. Pycnogenol alleviates pain associated with pregnancy. Phytother Res 2006;20:232-4.
  5. Liu X, Zhou HJ, Rohdewald P. French maritime pine bark extract pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients (letter). Diabetes Care 2004;27:839. PubMed
  6. Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci 2004;75:2505-13. PubMed
  7. Wilson D, Evans M, Guthrie N et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of pycnogenol for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Phytother Res 2010;24:1115-9.
  8. Araghi-Niknam, M., Hosseini, S., Larson, D., Rohdewald, P., and Watson, R. R. Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integr.Med. 3-21-2000;2(2):73-77. PubMed
  9. Trebaticka, J., Kopasova, S., Hradecna, Z., Cinovsky, K., Skodacek, I., Suba, J., Muchova, J., Zitnanova, I., Waczulikova, I., Rohdewald, P., and Durackova, Z. Treatment of ADHD with French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol. Eur.Child Adolesc.Psychi PubMed
  10. Suzuki, N., Uebaba, K., Kohama, T., Moniwa, N., Kanayama, N., and Koike, K. French maritime pine bark extract significantly lowers the requirement for analgesic medication in dysmenorrhea: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
  11. Cisar, P., Jany, R., Waczulikova, I., Sumegova, K., Muchova, J., Vojtassak, J., Durackova, Z., Lisy, M., and Rohdewald, P. Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Phytother.Res. 2008;22(8):1087-1092.
  12. Enseleit, F., Sudano, I., Periat, D., Winnik, S., Wolfrum, M., Flammer, A. J., Frohlich, G. M., Kaiser, P., Hirt, A., Haile, S. R., Krasniqi, N., Matter, C. M., Uhlenhut, K., Hogger, P., Neidhart, M., Luscher, T. F., Ruschitzka, F., and Noll, G. Effects
  13. Schoonees, A., Visser, J., Musekiwa, A., and Volmink, J. Pycnogenol(R) (extract of French maritime pine bark) for the treatment of chronic disorders. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;4:CD008294.
  14. Wang S, Tan D Zhao Y et al. The effect of pycnogenol on the microcirculation, platelet function and ischemic myocardium in patients with coronary artery diseases. Eur Bull Drug Res 1999;7:19-25.

See these in context on the Maritime Pine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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